Surmarg, a picturesque meadow just 10 km from Pahalgam, captivates visitors with its lush green carpet of pine forests, offering a sharp contrast to the snow-capped peaks that surround it. One of Pahalgam’s top attractions, Surmarg is a true sensory delight and a perfect camping spot for trekkers heading toward Bajmarg. Accessible on foot or by pony from Pahalgam, this hidden gem of Jammu and Kashmir offers panoramic views of the town and Lidder Valley.
As you descend from the pass on a shepherd’s trail, you’ll be guided to the valley floor, where a stream meanders through the grassy bed. Following the trail along the stream for about ten minutes, you’ll pass Bakkarval shelters nestled against the slope. Beyond them, a short climb over boulders leads to a knoll.
What unfolds beyond is a sight of pure poetic beauty: vast meadows with the valley stretching to your left. Sheep and horses graze peacefully, seemingly oblivious to your presence. In the middle of the meadow, a stream transforms into a large pond, fed by brooks from the snowmelt of nearby mountains. Snow patches, dotted across the peaks, further highlight the meadow’s vibrant green hues, creating an idyllic scene.